Ranunculaceæ

Ranunculaceæ, a natural order of exogenous plants, mostly herbaceous, rarely shrubs, and generally natives of cold, damp climates. Some are found within the tropics, but almost exclusively in very elevated situations. The number of known species exceeds 1000. They occur in all quarters of the globe, but most abundantly in Europe. The leaves are generally much divided, and have dilated sheathing stalks. The calyx is of 3-6 deciduous hypogynous sepals; the corolla of 3-15 hypogynous petals, in one or more rows, sometimes assuming very remarkable forms, as in larkspur, aconite, and columbine; rarely absent, in which case the sepals are gaily coloured. The stamens are usually numerous; the carpels are numerous, one-celled, sometimes united into a single many-celled pistil; the ovary with one or more ovules. The fruit either consists of dry achenia, or is berry-like or follicular. Acridity is the prevailing character of the order, and the leaves of some species readily produce blisters; but this property disappears when they are dried or heated. Many are narcotic and poisonous; some are used in medicine, as aconite and hellebore. The seeds of Nigella sativa were formerly used instead of pepper. The fruit of the May Apple or Wild Lemon (Podophyllum peltatum) of North America may be eaten, but is very acid. Many of the order produce flowers of great beauty, as some species of Ranunculus (q.v.), Anemone (q.v.), Larkspur (q.v.), Peony (q.v.), Columbine (q.v.), Clematis (q.v.), &c.